You know the benefits of earning your accelerated bachelor’s degree online – no commute to campus, flexible scheduling, your degree can be earned faster than traditional methods, and it is usually a less expensive way to obtain your bachelor’s degree. However, the process isn’t painless. It will take effort on your part.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to get organized and mentally fit before starting your accelerated bachelor’s online program that will give you the confidence to be a success in your pursuit of a degree. Here are some of the things you can do as you prepare for your first course.
Make Time –
A traditional course usually requires three to four hours a week. An accelerated online program, depending on the type of program, could require at least twice that much time set aside. Here are some ways you could find “extra” time:
- Make a chore list for family members. Explain that you will need more help with cooking, cleaning, laundry, and similar tasks.
- Swap out mindless time-guzzling games from your mobile devices and replace them with apps that will help you in your studies, such as memory aids or study guides for the subject you are taking.
- Precook and freeze meals for times you’ll be rushed so you won’t have to skip dinner or settle for fast food.
- Start reading at night. You’ll find a nightly reading habit will keep you from missing zoning in front of the television. If you have any “can’t miss” shows, record them to watch after your online courses are completed.
Prepare Your “Classroom” –
Setting aside a dedicated area will make your work more comfortable, and it helps you focus on it being time for school. Here are some things you should consider:
- Locate a quiet space away from major distractions. You might create a “Do Not Disturb” sign to let others know you shouldn’t be disturbed.
- Prepare your equipment. Make sure your computer meets the requirements, and that your internet will be sufficient to handle the online courses. Download any software you will need – such as Microsoft Word, or a pdf reader.
- “Visit” Your Online campus. Log onto the website and explore the links. Make sure your password to the lessons works now, before you start classes. Research and note links and numbers for important contacts like support, the business office, and counselors. Read the syllabus to get an idea of what will be expected and what sort of assignments will be required.
Eat Healthy –
A healthy mind will better handle the stress and rigors of the online courses. There are specific foods that have been known to improve memory, reduce stress, and help sharpen your mind. Some of these foods include walnuts, fatty fish, caffeine, spinach, dark chocolate, beets, garlic, and avocados. One important thing to avoid is dehydration because it can affect cognitive function - so drink plenty of water.
Consider Credit-by-Exam –
Achieve Test Prep offers an accelerated bachelor’s degree program that determines what courses you could take by credit-by-exam, and then preps you to pass one exam that gives you the same credit you would get for a semester’s worth of work. No quizzes, research papers, mandatory forum posts, or group projects. Achieve is flexible to fit your needs with day, night, and weekend classes that you can take on campus, or through online live classes taught by the same qualified instructors.
For more information on the program that will help you succeed in obtaining your accelerated bachelor’s degree, contact Achieve today.
